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Chinese
kites making inroads in India
by Uday Advaryu
Ahmedabad: Not many people know that kite-flying has been a favourite sport of Indians since ages. But in Ahmedabad today the people associated with Kite manufacturing are confronting a tough time due to a cut-throat competition from Chinese kites. Available in attractive designs and good quality, the Chinese kites have made it different for traditional Indian kites to survive. Eagles, rockets, cartoon characters, umbrellas with traditional Chinese motifs and other beautiful designs pose stiff competition to the local, often staid paper kites The traditional kite makers are now complaining about losing out on a major market share due to Chinese supply. Not many Kite-flying enthusiasts in Ahmemdabad, a city rated as having some of the most avid followers of the sport in India, are finding it easy to resist the vivid colours and unconventional designs that the new entrant in the market has at its disposal.
Pappubhai Parkingwala, a kite seller, says he has stocked more Chinese kites this year, as there was an increasing demand for "quality" products. "Every year we get a new variety, but this year Chinese manufacturers have given lots of new items. They appear to have better quality as well and are much in demand." Some customers say they do not mind paying extra bucks if their kites stand out in the skies. "These Chinese kites are very attractive and we want to fly them. Their threads are also imported and of very good quality. It will be nice to fly these kites," says Shubham Ali, a customer. But in the festive spirit, Indian manufacturers say their plight is being ignored. "Small artisans will be forced to close their shops as it will be Chinese goods everywhere. Chinese kites should not be allowed to enter the market," says Sharwan Patel, a manufacturer of Indian kites.
Though the origin of Kite flying is unknown, it is believed that kites were flown in China 2,000 years ago and were brought to India through the silk route, by traders. Since then, however, the art has taken over a completely new style and purpose for Indians, who have incorporated them as an integral part of festivals and celebrations. Indians fly kites mostly on the occasion of Independence day, Raksha Bandhan, Eid and Makar Sankranti, annual harvest festival celebrated across the country under different names.
Meanwhile, a kite-flying is being enjoyed by many tourists coming from
abroad to Gujarat. From huge batman kites to colourful ships and dazzling
castles it is a battle for the skies in Ahmedabad where dozens of kite
flyers visiting here from abroad are unveiling spectacular designs to
beat the much-faster Indians at an annual festival. Eagles, rockets, cartoon
characters, umbrellas with traditional Chinese motifs and other beautiful
designs are all in the repertoire for the international participants coming
from 22 countries including new entrants Israel and Belgium. People in
Gujarat have been the biggest patron of kite-flying. This festival also
marks the beginning of the harvest season. While the colourful kites are
flown from atop almost every house of the city, are a site to behold,
for the contestants, as Eric Kurtis, a Canadian kite flyer puts it. "We
cannot win from Indians. When we start to fight we all loose because you
are too fast. I do fight competition in my country but when I try it here
you are much better". "We are enjoying the hospitality of the Government
of Gujarat. It is amazing to be here. The festivities I have not seen
anything like this in the world before, I have not experienced anything
like this and I am very happy and honoured to be here," says Marsel, an
Israeli participant.
-Jan 12, 2006
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